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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You asked the people of Judah, “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord” (Jer 23:23–24). I praise you today as the God who is everywhere. You see everything that happens, and nothing is hidden from your eyes. Great indeed is the Lord my God! Today in Your Word Today you told me how Jeremiah cried out against the false prophets and priests who claimed to speak in your name. The people would ask one of the false prophets what message he had from you, and the false prophet would claim to have “the burden (massa) of the Lord!” You were so angry at their lies that you actually commanded the people never to say those words again. If they did, you would pick them up and throw them out of your presence (Jer 23:36–40). Jeremiah’s experience teaches me how to identify false prophets today: (1) they do not hold people accountable for sin, (2) they tell people what they want to hear, (3) they do not live careful, godly lives, and (4) their message contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. Early in Jehoiakim’s reign, you sent Jeremiah to preach another sermon at the temple. In your mercy, you were giving Judah one last chance to repent. Instead, the priests and prophets seized Jeremiah and were going to kill him. Ahikam spoke up in Jeremiah’s defense, and reminded the people that Micah had also predicted the destruction of Jerusalem. Hezekiah had not put him to death; instead, he heeded Micah’s warning. Jeremiah was eventually released, and a few years later, he pronounced your final judgment on the people of Judah: they would be carried into captivity by the Babylonians for 70 years (Jer 25:11–12). After the 70 years were complete, you would judge Babylon and fulfill your word as spoken by Jeremiah. Reflection You told Jeremiah that your Word is like a fire (Jer 23:29). It refines precious metals making them even more valuable, but it destroys all that is worthless—wood, hay and stubble. Am I allowing your Word to shape and refine my heart? Request Father, give me the courage of Ahikam, who put his own life at risk to defend Jeremiah from the people. Help me support those who are committed to proclaiming your truth. Thanksgiving Thank you for your mercy. You had Jeremiah preach the same message of repentance for twenty-three years even though the people continually rejected it. How great is your love! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Are You Faithful?” — Charles W. Naylor. Meditation Verse: Jeremiah 26:19. |